On July 1, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation creating the Middle Class Scholarship program, aimed at making higher education more affordable to middle-income families.
For more information about the program, please visit the California Student Aid Commission Middle Class Scholarship web page.
Improving Access for Families
The Middle-Class Scholarship program is available for new, transfer, and returning undergraduates, and students pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets not exceeding certain amounts (subject to California State Budget Approval) for the 2024-25 academic year for those who attend a University of California campus. Please refer to the Middle Class Scholarship web page for those details.
To apply, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application by March 2 (extended to May 2nd for the 24-25 award year). Also, we encourage you to submit GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission for Cal Grant consideration.
- For the 2024-2025 award year the FAFSA filing deadline is extended until May 2nd, 2024.
- Scholarship award amounts will vary by student and by the school. Award amounts will be based on the cost of attendance for the school of the student’s choice and the following program requirements: other available gift aid that the student is eligible for (i.e. federal, state, institutional, or scholarship aid), a self-help student contribution of $8,154 (applied to all students), and a parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000. These three factors collectively, are referred to as a student’s “available resources.” These amounts are deducted from the student’s total cost of attendance to determine the MCS award. Under this formula, award amounts will vary widely among students, with each student’s award reflecting their costs and available resources.
- We measure enrollment at the end of the fifth week of the semester. If you were awarded an MCS and you are enrolled in less than 12 units at the end of the fifth week your MCS will be reduced, and may be replaced with federal loans or work study.
- The final award amount will be based on the number of students eligible for the MCS statewide and the funding allocated by the State Budget. Pursuant to Education Code section 70023, MCS award amounts may be reduced at any time during the academic year if is determined that the funds appropriated are insufficient to cover the cost of the projected MCS awards.
- Students selected to receive an MCS award will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission, by mid to late September.
- If you have any questions or concerns regarding your MCS eligibility for the award year, please review your WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) account which provides secure and easy access to your awarding status.